Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for Your Trip

Do I really need as many blank pages in my passport as my Travel Handbook states?

Yes. Our Travel Handbooks are written specifically for your destination, and it is important that you pay close attention to all instructions regarding your passport. For all trips, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your return flight.

How can I find out what currencies are used in my destinations?

When you visit the page for the trip you are interested in, you can select “Weather & Regional” from the menu on the left-hand side. Here, you can select the location you want to learn more about and click the “Currency” tab. This will lead you to our Currency Cheat Sheet, which will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

How do I update your records regarding my passport information or place of birth?

Visit our My Account center and click "My Reservations." From here, click the "Contacts & Passport" tab to update your passport or emergency contact information. If you are departing in 45 days or less, you must contact us with any changes.

How many pieces of luggage can I bring?

Luggage restrictions vary from trip to trip, so we suggest checking your Travel Handbook for specifics. If you're traveling to Australia, Africa, or China, you may encounter additional restrictions due to size and weight limitations on flights within these areas. For other destinations, you can generally bring luggage meeting these specifications: One piece of checked luggage, weighing up to 50 pounds and not exceeding 62 inches in the total of height + width + depth. And one smaller carry-on bag up to 15 pounds, not exceeding 45 inches in the total of height + width + depth. (Please note that the popular wheeled carry-on suitcases are often prohibited, due to size limitations on motorcoaches.) Again, these are only general guidelines and we highly recommend that you check your Travel Handbook for trip-specific information.

How much cash should I bring on my trip—and should I obtain local currency before I go?

You'll also find the answers to these questions and more in the Travel Handbook you received just after booking.

When will I receive my air tickets and other final travel documents?

You'll receive your final documents package approximately 14 days before you depart. For most trips, you will receive e-tickets for your flights, which you'll find on the last page of your Final Document booklet.

Will I have internet access during my trip?

Whether or not you'll have internet access depends largely on your hotels or ships. In general, however, your Program Director will be able to tell you where to find an internet café during your trip.

Privately Owned Fleet

Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

Our Private Charters

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Africa Land Tour featured video:

Behold the natural wonders of South Africa—from “Big Five” sightings in Kruger National Park to the serene, flower-ringed Knysna Lagoon. Watch our video to see travelers enjoying some of the discoveries that await you.

Reserve Early and SAVE

Refer and Earn

You can earn $5,900 or more in CASH when you refer new travelers to 2015 trips through our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program. The more new travelers you refer, the more CASH you earn—it’s unlimited! Watch our video to learn how.

The Leader in Solo Friendly Travel

With FREE Single Supplements, we offer the best value for solo travelers in the industry, guaranteed. Plus, our expert, resident Program Directors, Roommate Matching Service, and online forums help you make personal connections. Watch our video to see why solo travel is better with Grand Circle.

Frequent Traveler Credits

Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

Group Leader Program

At Grand Circle, we strongly believe that word of mouth is our best advertisement. And it works. Just ask the more than 500 Group Leaders who have chosen a Grand Circle trip for their travelers this year—and traveled FREE! Watch our video to learn how.

Travel Protection Plan

Watch our video to learn about the benefits of our Travel Protection Plan. You can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

Last Minute Travel Deals

Act now for terrific savings on last-minute departures, available only on our website. Our Last Minute Travel Deals are updated frequently, so be sure to check back often! Space is very limited—and at these prices, will sell out quickly—so sign in for exclusive access to our Last Minute Special Travel Deals

Travel Parties

Earn rewards up to a FREE TRIP when you host a Travel Party. A Grand Circle Representative will share a vacation presentation, a raffle, and exclusive savings for your guests. For each new traveler who reserves after your party, you’ll earn increasing rewards, valued up to $5,800.

Worldwide Discovery

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

Grand Circle Advantages

Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

The Grand Circle Experience

Watch our video of travelers on location on our River Cruises and Land Tours, and you’ll see the discoveries that await you—not to mention the spirited camaraderie of our trips, a quality that singles and couples alike often cite as a highlight of their travel experience.

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Personalize your trip

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on any Grand Circle vacation as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

Inner Circle Club

Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

People and Culture

Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Cuba People-to-People

Grand Circle Foundation is one of the few organizations sanctioned by the U.S. government to offer legal, fully-licensed travel to Cuba. By limiting our group size to just 12-20 participants on each of our two unique programs, we’re able to provide you with rich insights into Cuban life.

Facebook

Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

Traveler Celebration Events

Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

Want to get to know us?

Join us for a free and informative Travel Presentation & Reception in your area EXCLUSIVELY for new customers, and discover why—with Grand Circle & Overseas Adventure Travel—your next trip will be the experience of a lifetime. At this event and luncheon, you will learn what sets our travel company apart from the rest.

Upcoming Events in Boston

If you live in or around Greater Boston, or plan to visit the area in the future, I hope you’ll consider joining Grand Circle in Harriet’s Corner—the special space in our Boston headquarters that serves as a physical embodiment of the “virtual” community we share online.

Grand Circle Gallery

Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

Any questions? Schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Fill out the form to the right, and we’ll call you to:

Find your best possible value

Compare travel dates based on weather, pricing, and more

Coordinate plans with friends or family

Check the availability of single spaces and extensions

Answer any other questions

Or, make your reservation

Our Travel Counselors are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions, which may include: